Based on the children’s books, Paddington Bear by Michael Bond, the movie Paddington is a sweet, sweet must-see movie for all ages. With an all-star cast featuring Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Nicole Kidman (playing the evil-ish character perfectly) and Jim Broadbent. We have a thing where we love watching British based movies at WestWard. Just feels right in the setting. As I said earlier, it really is a movie for young and old. When a young bear from darkest Peru travels to London to find a new home, all sorts of adventure ensues. When we stand amongst the wall of DVD’s at the grocery store trying to choose a movie, so many have such a violent premise. The world has so much of that in real life, we often steer clear of those for the most part. Rotten Tomatoes gave Paddington a 98% which is kind of unheard of, so I know this resonates with many folks.

Movie Monday continues with Magic In The Moonlight. This is a Woody Allen film. For some that is a good thing, for others not. I sit on the middle of that fence. Some of his work I have adored, others not as much. Folks watch movies for many different reasons. To be entertained, to be transported, to learn. Similar to my feelings about writing about places we dine, that we have enjoyed, the same will hold true about movies we watch. The world has plenty of negative criticism about films floating around. I only want to highlight the ones we liked. Set in the 20’s in the South of France. There, must I really type anything further. I would watch and be happy with almost anything set in the South of France. Add to that the homes and dress of the time, and well, it becomes a visual delight. A hit the ‘pause’ button often movie to take in the scenery. This is a romance film, filled with very good actors & very good music. Which is trademark Woody Allen. Sweet, funny, and did I say set in the South of France in the 20’s? Ahhhhhh.

Movie Monday is a new category for a blog post. We watch lots of movies. Always have. We don’t really go to many movies, but we rent/stream them often. I find watching a film so relaxing. It was a rainy week-end for us out on the island, which makes it even more cozier. Since our week-end is really Sunday and Monday, often times we will watch a movie on the second eve, hence, Movie Monday.

St. Vincent was what caught my eye as I scrolled through the list at the grocery store. Several customers have told me about this film as I was wrapping their gifts. A time I relish as I really have some great conversations with folks while wrapping away. Bill Murray is in this. We would watch any movie Bill Murray is in. Always. He did not disappoint. The movie is funny, sweet and touching. It centers on the relationship of Murray, the cantankerous neighbor who babysits a 12 year old precocious & wise kid after he comes home from school, while his Mom, Melissa McCarthy, is at work. The situations the two get in is the basis of the movie. You will laugh and you will cry. Rotten Tomatoes gave this a 77%, which I think is low. It is not the most complex movie, but it is darn sweet. The closing scene with Murray singing along in bits and pieces to the Dylan song is priceless.

Thought I would also share these amazing red tulips I picked up at the Market on Saturday. Almost peony like. Happy Tuesday all!

Each word of the book is so lovingly spoken and your voice exudes such warmth and kindness. You are so genuine with your readers. And so interested in teaching them how to love… Love art…. Love nature… Love small things… Love friends… Love family… And love life.

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Ted Kennedy Watson has a most refined sense of aesthetics…and he shares some of his best secrets, for which I am so grateful!

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Ted, and his namesake fine good emporiums Watson Kennedy are legendary in this town. What he does brilliantly is quality over trend, substance over vapid style.

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If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a stylized photo in a magazine this shop is a phenomenal fix for that as the merchandising is crazy delicious to feast your eyes upon.

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I ordered ‘Style & Simplicity’ and it was delivered to my home in Hermanus, South Africa. What a delightful book and inspiration!

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We’ve long been fans of Seattle retailer Ted Kennedy Watson and his first title certainly lives up to it’s stylish name. The lavish A to Z guide is bursting with tips on how to create a cozy, chic and inviting home.